Smithsonian Postpones Korean Art Exhibition Amid U.S. Government Shutdown

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art has indefinitely postponed the opening of its highly anticipated exhibition, "Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared," due to the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025. The exhibition, originally scheduled to debut on November 8, 2025, was set to showcase over 200 significant Korean artworks and cultural artifacts from the esteemed Lee Kun-Hee Collection.

The "Korean Treasures" exhibition is a collaborative effort between the National Museum of Asian Art, the National Museum of Korea, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, and the Art Institute of Chicago. It aims to present a comprehensive array of Korean art spanning 1,500 years, including ancient Buddhist sculptures, ceramics, paintings, furnishings, and modern masterpieces from the 20th century. Notably, the exhibition features a dozen National Treasures designated by the Korean government.

The Lee Kun-Hee Collection comprises over 23,000 works, reflecting more than 70 years of generational collecting. Donated to the Republic of Korea in 2021 by the family of the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-Hee, the collection is a testament to a decades-long commitment to preserving and sharing Korea’s artistic legacy and cultural heritage.

The federal government shutdown, now in its 37th day, has led to the closure of all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. The Smithsonian Institution, which receives approximately 62% of its funding from federal appropriations, initially remained open by utilizing prior-year funds. However, these funds were depleted by October 11, 2025, necessitating the closure of its facilities. Despite the closures, essential animal care at the National Zoo continues uninterrupted, though live webcams have been turned off due to staffing limitations.

The National Museum of Korea, a key collaborator in the "Korean Treasures" exhibition, has confirmed the delay and is awaiting further updates from the Smithsonian regarding rescheduling. The postponement represents a significant cultural loss, as it delays the opportunity for American audiences to engage with and appreciate Korean art and heritage.

The current shutdown has had widespread effects on cultural institutions. The American Alliance of Museums reports that during the 35-day shutdown in 2018-2019, the Smithsonian lost an estimated $3.4 million in revenue from its gift shops, concessions, and IMAX film screenings. National parks lost between $10 million and $11 million in revenue during the same period. The ongoing shutdown is expected to have similar, if not greater, economic repercussions.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that the shutdown is beginning to harm the real economy, with funds being reallocated to prioritize military paychecks, resulting in delays or suspensions in payments to other federal workers and services, including Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the shutdown could cost the economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, depending on its duration.

The postponement of the "Korean Treasures" exhibition underscores the broader impact of governmental operations on cultural and educational institutions. It highlights the importance of stable governmental operations in facilitating international cultural exchanges and the sharing of artistic heritage.

As the shutdown continues, the Smithsonian Institution and its partners remain committed to rescheduling the exhibition once the museums reopen, ensuring that the public will eventually have the opportunity to experience these invaluable Korean treasures.